Sexual Assault Awareness Month  

A graphic of teal ribbons from the NSVRC that says "April is sexual asssault awareness month"

MUSC Issues SAAM Proclamation

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is dedicated to ending sexual violence through increased public awareness, community education on prevention, and supporting those on the frontline helping survivors and their families. Now is the time for conversations about systemic change, the factors contributing to sexual violence, and the resources needed to address this public health crisis.

On Monday, April 1, 2024, Dr. Michael de Arellano officially proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month at MUSC.

Key Statistics

  • Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
  • 1 in 6 women has been a victim of attempted or completed rape.
  • 1 in 10 rape victims is male.
  • Most victims are under 30 years old.
  • In South Carolina (2022), 3,536 new survivors sought services from rape crisis centers (2,037 adults, 1,499 children).
  • 92% of these survivors knew their offender.
  • Only 12% of primary victims reported the incident to law enforcement.

2025 SAAM Calendar of Events

This year's national SAAM theme is "Together We Act, United We Change," emphasizing collective effort in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.

Weekly Focus & Events

  • March 30 through April 5: Together We Act, United We Change
    • Focus: Welcoming SAAM by exploring how education builds a foundation for prevention.
  • April 2, 10 AM through 2 PM: Denim Day
    • A nationwide event showing that assault is unrelated to clothing.
    • Wear or donate jeans.
    • Jeans with empowering messages from survivors and allies displayed at MUSC Greenway until April 9.
    • Representatives from MUSC and Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. available.
  • April 6 through 12: Learn. Act. Change
    • Focus: Understanding sexual violence, its impact, and prevention steps.
  • April 13 through 19: Uplifting Voices of Survivors
    • Focus: Amplifying survivor stories, especially the most vulnerable.
  • April 20 through 26: Communities Act Together
    • Focus: Equipping communities with tools for collective prevention.
  • April 27 through May 3: United, We Create a Safer Tomorrow
    • Focus: Inspiring sustained social change for a safer future.
  • April 29, 12 to 1 PM: Virtual Panel Discussion on Community Responses
    • Discussing collaborative strategies for prevention, support, and justice.
    • Panelists: Jaquon Irby (First Circuit Solicitor's Office), Sgt. Yolanda Brown (Charleston PD), Melissa Crapse (MUSC Forensic Nurse), Victoria Padgette (Tri-County SPEAKS).
    • Moderator: Ann Seymour (National Mass Violence Center).
    • Register here

Resources

The following resources are available through MUSC and our partners. You can see a complete list on our Title IX page.

On-Campus Resources

Reporting

Employee Resources

Student Resources

Community Resources

Off-Campus Resources